Acoustic Image Relocation for Multi-Source Audio Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-source audio environments, existing systems struggle to effectively manage and prioritize audio streams, often requiring mute or volume reduction of less critical streams when a more important stream is introduced, which can disrupt the user's experience and make it difficult to focus on either stream.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the acoustic image of the first audio stream in multi-dimensional space to create space for a second audio stream by moving its perceived location, allowing both streams to be played simultaneously without interruption, enabling the listener to easily switch focus between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second audio stream is introduced and the first audio stream is muted or substantially muted, then the second audio stream can be played clearly, but the user experience is disrupted and it becomes difficult to focus on either stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spatial dimensionality to audio stream management by moving acoustic images of audio streams to different locations in multi-dimensional space. When a second audio stream is introduced, the system relocates the first stream's acoustic image to a different spatial position rather than muting it, allowing both streams to coexist clearly in separate spatial zones, thereby maintaining user experience while ensuring clarity of the incoming stream
2Ease of operation
If multiple audio streams are played simultaneously at full volume, then both streams are audible, but they interfere with each other and the listener cannot focus on either stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves audio stream interference by utilizing spatial separation in multi-dimensional space. Each audio stream is assigned a distinct acoustic image location, allowing simultaneous playback at full volume without interference. The listener can focus on either stream by directing attention to its specific spatial location, preventing information loss while maintaining audibility of all streams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the auditory space into distinct spatial zones, with each audio stream occupying a separate acoustic image location. This segmentation allows multiple streams to be played simultaneously without mutual interference, as each stream is spatially isolated in the multi-dimensional acoustic environment
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system, and program products for providing sound from multiple audio sources. A first audio stream is played from a first source through a multi-speaker audio system. A signal indicating a need to play a second audio stream is received from a second source. Adjustments to be made to the first audio stream to move an acoustic image of the first audio stream in multi-dimensional space from a first location to a second location are determined. Adjustments are applied to a signal of the first audio stream in order to move the acoustic image of the first audio stream from the first location to the second location. The second audio stream is played so that an acoustic image of the second audio stream is located in a third location. The first audio stream is simultaneously played.